Absorbent article having a functional enhancement indicator

ABSTRACT

An absorbent article includes a topsheet, an absorbent core, and a backsheet. The absorbent article has a visually perceptible functional enhancement indicator and a functionally-distinguishable portion of the article with one or more channels. The visually perceptible functional enhancement indicator corresponds to the one or more channels, and the functional enhancement indicator is visually perceptible from a body-facing side of the absorbent article but the one or more channels are not visually perceptible.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to disposable absorbent products, and moreparticularly to feminine hygiene articles intended to be worn in women'sundergarments.

BACKGROUND

Absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, are used by womenprincipally during their menstrual periods to receive and contain mensesand other vaginal discharges to protect their garments from soiling.Other articles, such as incontinence pads are similarly worn for controlof light urine incontinence. Sanitary napkins and incontinence padstypically have adhesive attachment means to temporarily adhere thedevice to the crotch region of the user's undergarment, normally herpanty.

When placing an absorbent article in an undergarment, it is oftencritical that the article be positioned correctly with respect to thecrotch portion thereof. Improper positioning of the absorbent articlecan result in bodily discharges coming into contact with the wearer'sgarments or undergarment, instead of entering the absorbent article. Forexample, if the absorbent article is placed too far toward the front ofthe undergarment, a rearward portion of the undergarment may not becovered by the absorbent article, resulting in fluid, such as menses,soiling the undergarment. The problem is made worse when the absorbentarticle is asymmetrically-shaped, such that it does not provide aninherent indication of proper placement. Further, if the product haswhat are commonly referred to as “wings” or “flaps” intended to wrap theedges of the wearer's undergarments in the crotch region and/or affixthe article to the undergarment, misplacement of the article can resultin poor folding and premature detachment.

Asymmetrically-shaped absorbent articles, such as absorbent articlesthat are narrow in the front and wide in the back, or otherwise are notsymmetric about a transverse centerline such as “pear-shaped” sanitarynapkins, are known in the art. Such articles are intended to be wornwith the larger surface area region oriented to the back of the wearer.Sanitary napkins designed in this manner can be more effective inpreventing soiling of the undergarments. Asymmetrically-shaped absorbentarticles are also known for control of light urine incontinence. Forexample, U.S. Pat. No. 5,439,458 issued to Noel et al. discloses anabsorbent article such as an adult incontinence pad having an improvedshape. The shape is described as being symmetrical about itslongitudinal centerline, but asymmetrical about its transversecenterline.

However, the problem with asymmetrically-shaped absorbent articles,particularly such articles for use as feminine hygiene articles, is thatthe asymmetric nature of the pad renders it difficult to place correctlyin the user's undergarment. Specifically with respect to sanitarynapkins and incontinence pads, it is confusing to the user which of theasymmetrically-shaped ends goes in the rear or in the front,respectively, with respect to the undergarment. For incontinence pads,for example, some users tend to intuitively place the larger surfacearea portion to the rear, as is desirable with a similarly-shapedsanitary napkin intended for menstrual use, when, in fact, the largersurface area portion is intended to be oriented to the front of herundergarment.

Other problems associated with feminine hygiene articles includeeffectively communicating a particular benefit of a particular articleto the user. For example, an article such as sanitary napkin may haveenhanced functionality in one portion, such as enhanced absorbencynearer one end or another. It would be beneficial for the user to havesome way of knowing which portion of the article has the enhancedabsorbency. Knowing this would facilitate proper orientation andplacement of the article in her undergarment.

Accordingly, there remains an unaddressed need for an improved femininehygiene article, such as a sanitary napkin or pantiliner that isdesigned to facilitate proper placement and positioning in a user'sundergarment.

Further, there is an unaddressed need for a means for properly placingand positioning a feminine hygiene article in an undergarment when theabsorbent article is not symmetric about a longitudinal and/ortransverse centerline thereof.

Also, there is an unaddressed need for a feminine hygiene article, or anarray of feminine hygiene articles, that effectively communicate to theuser differences in functionality that may be present in variousportions thereof. Such a need is unaddressed both for symmetrically- andasymmetrically-shaped articles.

Finally, there is an unaddressed need for an asymmetrically-shapedincontinence pad comprising means for facilitating proper orientationand/or placement.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An absorbent article comprises a topsheet, an absorbent core, and abacksheet. The absorbent article comprises a visually perceptiblefunctional enhancement indicator and a functionally-distinguishableportion of the article comprising one or more channels. The visuallyperceptible functional enhancement indicator corresponds to the one ormore channels, and the functional enhancement indicator is visuallyperceptible from a body-facing side of the absorbent article but the oneor more channels are not visually perceptible.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a partially cut away plan view of a feminine hygiene articleof the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the Section 2-2 as shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a feminine hygiene article of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a feminine hygiene article of the presentinvention properly positioned in an undergarment.

FIG. 5 is a plan view of another embodiment of a feminine hygienearticle of the present invention properly positioned in an undergarment.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of a feminine hygienearticle of the present invention properly positioned in an undergarment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of another embodiment of a feminine hygienearticle of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of another embodiment of a feminine hygienearticle of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the section 9-9 as shown in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 10 is a plan view of another embodiment of a feminine hygienearticle of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 12 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles and acorresponding array of packaging of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles and acorresponding array of packaging of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 15 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles and acorresponding array of packaging of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles of thepresent invention.

FIG. 17 is a view of an array of feminine hygiene articles and acorresponding array of packaging of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used herein, the term “absorbent article” refers to devices thatabsorb and contain liquid, and more specifically, refers to devices thatare placed against or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorband contain the various exudates discharged from the body.

As used herein, the term “feminine hygiene article” refers to disposableabsorbent articles to be worn by women for menstrual and/or lightincontinence control. Feminine hygiene articles are typically held inplace adjacent the user's externally-visible genitalia (i.e., thepudendal region) by the user's undergarment. Feminine hygiene articlescan be placed into the user's undergarment and affixed via adhesive orother joining means. Feminine hygiene articles do not include babydiapers.

One embodiment of a feminine hygiene article of the present invention,an incontinence pad 10, is shown in partially cut-away plan view in FIG.1 and in cross section in FIG. 2 . While the invention is disclosed inFIG. 1 as an embodiment of an incontinence pad 10, the disclosedfeatures of the invention can also be useful when incorporated in otherfeminine hygiene articles, such as sanitary napkins and pantiliners.Therefore, the disclosure below is in the context of an incontinencepad, but is applicable to feminine hygiene articles in general. Theinvention can also be an anal discharge pad, a hemorrhoid pad, aninterlabial pad, or any other absorbent article for which properplacement and orientation in an undergarment is desirable.

Incontinence pad 10 can be considered in three regions, two end regions12 and 14 each comprising about one-third of the overall length, and amiddle region 16. In the context of an incontinence pad 10 of thepresent invention, end region 12 represents the front of the pad, thatis, the portion of the incontinence pad 10 intended to be orientedduring use toward the front of the user's undergarment. In the contextof a sanitary napkin or pantiliner 11 of the present invention, endregion 12 represents the rear of the pad, that is, the portion of thesanitary napkin or pantiliner 11 intended to be oriented during usetoward the rear of the user's undergarment.

Incontinence pad 10 has a body-facing surface (or side) 15 that is incontact with the user's body during use and a garment-facing surface (orside) 17 that is in contact with the user's undergarment during use. Ingeneral, each component layer of the incontinence pad 10 can be said tohave a body-facing side and a garment-facing side, the sides beingdetermined by their orientation relative to the in-use orientation ofthe article. Incontinence pad 10 has a longitudinal centerline L and atransverse centerline T, the centerlines being perpendicular to oneanother in the plane of the sanitary napkin when in a flat outconfiguration, as shown in FIG. 1 . In one embodiment the incontinencepad can be generally symmetric about both centerlines, while in otherembodiments the incontinence pad can be generally asymmetric abouteither centerline. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , incontinence pad10 is symmetric about the longitudinal centerline L and asymmetric abouttransverse centerline T. As discussed more fully below, feminine hygienearticles can also be provided with lateral extensions known in the artas “flaps” or “wings” (not shown in FIG. 1 ) intended to fold over andcover the panty elastics in the crotch region of the user'sundergarment.

Incontinence pad 10 can have any shape known in the art for femininehygiene articles, including generally symmetric “hourglass” shaped,tapering inwardly from a relatively greater transverse width in aportion of one of the end regions to a relatively smaller transversewidth at the middle region. However, the invention is particularlybeneficial for incontinence pads and other feminine hygiene articlesthat are asymmetrical about the transverse axis, such that the maximumtransverse width of one end, e.g., end region 12, of the pad is greaterthan the maximum transverse width of the other end, e.g., end region 14.Transverse width is defined herein as the edge-to-edge dimension acrossthe article, measured parallel to the transverse centerline T. Such padscan be described as pear shaped, bicycle-seat shaped, trapezoidalshaped, wedge shaped, or otherwise described in a manner that connotes atwo-dimensional shape having two ends in which one end is larger thanthe other in a maximum width dimension.

Incontinence pad 10 can have an absorbent core 20 to absorb and storebodily fluids discharged during use. In some embodiments of incontinencepads, pantiliners, sanitary napkins, or other such devices of thepresent invention, an absorbent core is not necessary, the padconsisting only of a topsheet (that can have some absorbency) and afluid impermeable backsheet. Absorbent core 20 can be formed from any ofthe materials well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examplesof such materials include multiple plies of creped cellulose wadding,fluffed cellulose fibers, wood pulp fibers also known as airfelt,textile fibers, a blend of fibers, a mass or batt of fibers, airlaidwebs of fibers, a web of polymeric fibers, and a blend of polymericfibers.

In one embodiment absorbent core 20 can be relatively thin, less thanabout 10 mm, or less than about 5 mm in thickness, or less than about 3mm, or less than about 1 mm in thickness. Thickness can be measured byany means known in the art for doing so while the core is under auniform pressure of 0.25 psi. The absorbent core can comprise absorbentgelling materials (AGM), including AGM fibers, as is known in the art.

Absorbent core 20 can be formed or cut to a shape, the outer edges ofwhich define a core periphery 30. The shape of absorbent core 20 can begenerally rectangular, circular, oval, elliptical, or the like.Absorbent core 20 can be generally centered with respect to thelongitudinal centerline L and transverse centerline T.

To prevent absorbed bodily exudates from contacting the wearer'sgarments, incontinence pad 10 can have a liquid impermeable backsheet22. Backsheet 22 can comprise any of the materials known in the art forbacksheets, such as polymer films and film/nonwoven laminates. Toprovide a degree of softness and vapor permeability for thegarment-facing side of sanitary napkin 10, backsheet 22 can be a vaporpermeable outer layer on the garment-facing side of the sanitary napkin20. The backsheet 22 can be formed from any vapor permeable materialknown in the art. Backsheet 22 can comprise a microporous film, anapertured formed film, or other polymer film that is vapor permeable, orrendered to be vapor permeable, as is known in the art. One suitablematerial is a soft, smooth, compliant, vapor pervious material, such asa nonwoven web that is hydrophobic or rendered hydrophobic to besubstantially liquid impermeable. A nonwoven web provides for softnessand conformability for comfort, and can be low noise producing so thatmovement does not cause unwanted sound.

To provide for softness next to the body, incontinence pad 10 can have abody-facing layer, referred to herein as topsheet 26. Topsheet 26 can beformed from any soft, smooth, compliant, porous material which iscomfortable against human skin and through which fluids such as urine orvaginal discharges can pass. Topsheet 26 can comprise fibrous nonwovenwebs and can comprise fibers as are known in the art, includingbicomponent and/or shaped fibers. Topsheet 26 can also be a liquidpermeable polymer film, such as an apertured film, or an aperturedformed film as is known on sanitary napkins such as ALWAYS® brandsanitary napkins.

At least one, and preferably both, of topsheet 26 and backsheet 22define a shape, the edge of which defines an outer periphery 28 of theincontinence pad 10. In a preferred embodiment, both topsheet 26 andbacksheet 22 define the incontinence pad 10 outer periphery 28. The twolayers can be die cut, as is known in the art, for example, aftercombining all the components into the structure of the incontinence pad10 as described herein. However, the shape of either topsheet 26 orbacksheet 22 can be independently defined.

Interposed between the absorbent core 20 and topsheet 26 can be at leastone fluid permeable secondary topsheet 24. Secondary topsheet 24 can aidin rapid acquisition and/or distribution of fluid and is preferably influid communication with the absorbent core 20. In one embodiment, thesecondary topsheet 24 does not completely cover the absorbent core 20,but it can extend laterally to core periphery 30. In one embodiment,topsheet, secondary topsheet, or the absorbent core can be layeredstructures, the layers facilitating fluid transport by differences influid transport properties, such as capillary pressure.

In one embodiment, absorbent core 20 does not extend laterally outwardto the same extent as either topsheet 26 or backsheet 22, but theincontinence pad 10 outer periphery 28 can be substantially larger thanthe core outer periphery 30. In this manner, the region of incontinencepad 10 between the core periphery 30 and the incontinence pad 10 outerperiphery 28 can define a breathable zone 32 that permits vapors to gothrough portions of the sanitary napkin, thereby escaping and providingfor dryer comfort when worn. The breathable zone incontinence pad havinga breathable zone can be according to the teachings of U.S. Ser. No.10/790,418, filed Mar. 1, 2004.

All the components can be adhered together with adhesives, including hotmelt adhesives, as is known in the art. The adhesive can be FindlayH2128 UN or Savare PM 17 and can be applied using a Dynafiber HTWsystem.

As is typical for sanitary napkins and the like, the incontinence pad 10of the present invention can have panty fastening adhesive 36 disposedon the garment-facing side 17 of backsheet 22. Panty fastening adhesive36 can be any of known adhesives used in the art for this purpose, andcan be covered prior to use by a release paper, as is well known in theart.

The above disclosure is meant to give a general description of the basicparts of feminine hygiene articles such as sanitary napkins andincontinence pads and the like as they are known in the art. Thedescription is not intended to be limiting. Any and all of various knownelements, features and processes of known sanitary napkins, pantiliners,incontinence pads, and the like can be incorporated in the femininehygiene article of the present invention as desired or needed forparticular use benefits. For example, sanitary napkins can be accordingto the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 4,950,264 issued to Osborn III Aug.21, 1990, and an incontinence pad can be according to the disclosure ofU.S. Pat. No. 5,439,458 issued to Noel et al. Aug. 8, 1995. Now, withrespect to the remaining disclosure, the novel features and benefits ofthe present invention will be described.

Feminine hygiene articles of the present invention can be symmetricabout both the longitudinal and transverse centerlines. However, theinvention is most useful in the context of feminine hygiene articlesthat are characterized by asymmetry, either in shape or in functionalparameters. For example, in one embodiment, a feminine hygiene articleis symmetrically-shaped about both the longitudinal and transversecenterlines, but is functionally asymmetric in that it is functionallyenhanced in one region offset with respect to at least one centerline,for example, by having more absorbent capacity disposed nearer a firstend region relative to a second end region. In such a pad, it isimportant that the user perceive which end of the pad is functionallyenhanced to facilitate proper choice of article for an intended use aswell as for proper placement in the undergarment. In one embodiment, afeminine hygiene article is asymmetric about the transverse centerline,such that one end is functionally enhanced by having a greater surfacearea. Again, it is important that the user perceive the larger surfacearea portion as being functionally-enhanced for the particular use ofthe pad. That is, aside from the perimeter shape of the article and thedifference in surface area between one end and the other, the user canbenefit from a visual or tactile indicator to aid in proper, i.e., frontor rear, orientation of the larger surface area.

Therefore, as disclosed fully below, a feminine hygiene article of thepresent invention comprises a functional enhancement indicator 34 to aidthe user in proper choice of article and proper placement and use of thearticle. Functional enhancement indicator 34 can be an indication or asignal perceptible to the user that corresponds to afunctionally-distinguishable portion of a feminine hygiene article. Afunctionally-distinguishable portion of a feminine hygiene article is aportion that is different in composition, configuration, or constructionfrom relative to adjacent portions of the article. Functionalenhancement indicator 34 can be an indication or a signal perceptible tothe user that corresponds to a functionally-distinguishable portion of afeminine hygiene article that is otherwise not perceptible to the user.Functional enhancement indicator 34 can be an indication or a signalperceptible to the user that corresponds to afunctionally-distinguishable portion of a feminine hygiene article thatis otherwise not perceptible to the user as being intended for theparticular function indicated. In one embodiment, functional enhancementindicator 34 applied by printing, such as by ink-jet printing. In oneembodiment functional enhancement indicator 34 applied only by printing,such as by ink-jet printing, onto one of the article components, anddoes not include a previously colored, or dyed component, such as auniformly-colored non-woven.

Functional enhancement indicator 34 can be only visually perceptible,i.e., a visually-perceptible functional enhancement indicator.Functional enhancement indicator can be only tactilely perceptible,i.e., a tactilely-perceptible functional enhancement indicator.Functional enhancement indicators are disclosed below primarily in apreferred embodiment of being visually perceptible. By “visuallyperceptible” is meant that a human viewer can visually discern thefunctional enhancement indicator with the unaided eye (exceptingstandard corrective lenses adapted to compensate for near-sightedness,farsightedness, or stigmatism, or other corrected vision) in lighting atleast equal to the illumination of a standard 100 watt incandescentwhite light bulb at a distance of 1 meter. By “only visuallyperceptible” is meant that the functional enhancement indicator cannotbe readily perceived on the body-facing surface of the feminine hygienearticle by touch, sound, or smell. Therefore, channels, embossments,tufts, folds, pleats, and other tactilely-perceptible elements of afeminine hygiene article are not considered to be only visuallyperceptible. However, a functional enhancement indicator that is onlyvisually perceptible can be used in conjunction with such channels,embossments, and the like. For example, a functional enhancementindicator can be used in conjunction with edge crimping about theperiphery of an incontinence pad to signal enhanced fluid containment.

Functional enhancement indicator 34 can be disposed off-center of thefeminine hygiene article; that is, it can be a visually-perceptible markor signal that is itself not centered with respect to at least thetransverse centerline T. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 ,functional enhancement indicator 34 is off center with respect to thetransverse centerline, but is symmetric with respect to the longitudinalcenterline. In this manner, functional enhancement indicator 34 canidentify one end region of a feminine hygiene article as being a regionof particular functional significance, for example, as the region ofintended fluid entry. Functional enhancement indicator 34 can alsosignal the front of an incontinence pad 10 to indicate to the user theportion of the article intended to be placed for the function ofabsorbing urine and vaginal discharge. Functional enhancement indicator34 can also identify a region of the pad having other enhancedfunctionality, such as greater absorbency, greater fluid containment,less leakage, better dryness, better sensate concentration, greater odorcontrol additives, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 1 , incontinence pad 10 can be asymmetric about thetransverse centerline T. One way of describing such an incontinence pad10 is to say that one of the end regions 12 or 14 has a greater surfacearea on a body-facing surface thereof than the other. Such an article,when properly placed in an undergarment can result in more coverage,e.g., more of the surface area of the pad, toward either the front orthe rear of the user's undergarment during use. For sanitary napkins,consumers typically place the larger end region 12 toward the rear ofthe panty for better protection from soiling. However, an asymmetricdesign for incontinence pads presents a problem to the user. Because thepad is not designed for the larger end portion 12 to be oriented to therear of the undergarment, the user benefits from a visual signal toreinforce the intended orientation of the pad. The visual signal isbelieved to be necessary to overcome the user's force of habit sinceusers typically place asymmetric feminine hygiene articles such that thelarger end portion is oriented to the rear portion of the user'sundergarments.

To solve the above problem, a feminine hygiene article, e.g.,incontinence pad 10 of the present invention, has at least onefunctional enhancement indicator 34 visible from the body-facing surface15 of incontinence pad 10 and providing a distinct visual emphasis to aportion of the pad nearer to one of the first or second end regions 12or 14. In the context of an incontinence pad 10, for example, thefunctional enhancement indicator 34 can be a mark or signal thatprovides a visually-perceptible indication of the front of the pad tofacilitate proper orientation of the incontinence pad 10 with respect tothe undergarment when placing and positioning the incontinence pad 10 inan undergarment, such as the panty of the wearer.

Functional enhancement indicators 34 can comprise printed indicia, suchas ink-jet-printed figures, designs, lines or line segments, or embossedridges or bumps, folds, pleats, or any other means known in the art forproviding visible indications that serve the function of distinguishingone portion of a feminine hygiene article from the other, for example toaid the user in determining proper front to back orientation placementof an asymmetrically-shaped incontinence pad in an undergarment.Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1 , functional enhancement indicators 34can be disposed so as to indicate which end region of the incontinencepad 10 is intended to be, or to bound, the region of fluid entry. Thus,for an incontinence pad 10, functional enhancement indicator 34 providesa visually-perceptible distinctiveness that indicates to the user thatthe larger end portion 12 of pad 10 is intended to be oriented to thefront of the user's undergarment.

Therefore, one criteria for functional enhancement indicator 34 is thatit clearly identify one portion, such as one end portion, of the articleas being functionally different from other portions by a visual signaldistinct from the overall shape of the article about its periphery,which shape may, in fact, provide the user with an opposite intuitiveresponse. One way of describing an asymmetric article of the presentinvention, therefore, is the article has two end portions each differingfrom the other in maximum width measured parallel to a transversecenterline, and differing in surface area measured with respect to theperiphery and the transverse centerline, but which article comprises avisually-perceptible signal to the wearer, the visually-perceptiblesignal distinctly identifying one end portion of the article as being aregion of particular significance, for example, as the region ofintended fluid entry. The perception of the user may be that theindicated portion of the pad may be one of greater absorbency, greaterfluid containment capacity, less leakage, better dryness, better odorcontrol, improved softness, or other signals that facilitate anintuitive response to orient the functional enhancement indicatorproperly, e.g., to the front of the undergarment.

For asymmetrically-shaped incontinence pads, the effect of functionalenhancement indicator 34 is to give the user of an incontinence pad 10 avisual signal as to the portion of the pad intended to be oriented tothe front of the wearer's panties when worn for incontinence control.Because the user's intuitive notion is to place the pad “backwards”having the larger portion oriented to the rear of her panties, thevisual signals presented by the functional enhancement indicator 34 ofthe present invention provides the benefit of improved use throughcorrect orientation in the undergarment. The user's attention is drawnto the distinctive region signaled by the functional enhancementindicator 34, triggering a response that such a region is functionallyimportant for its intended use. Therefore, for incontinence pads with anintended use of absorbing urine, the user instinctively orients the padwith the larger surface area portion toward the front of herundergarment during use.

Functional enhancement indicators 34 can be disposed on or in thefeminine hygiene article so as to be visible from the body-facingsurface 15 such that an indication is made to the user calling attentionto the significance of the indicated portion of the article. Functionalenhancement indicators can indicate a region of enhanced functionality,such as a region of enhanced absorbency, enhanced fluid capacity,enhanced leakage control, enhanced odor control, enhanced surfacetreatment of lotions or skin care agents, and the like. Functionalenhancement indicators can signal a region of enhanced fluidcontainment, and can comprise additional fluid containment features,such as channels, gel-blocking coatings, and the like as is known in theart. Functional enhancement indicators 34 can also be used inconjunction with fit guides for use in the proper positioning in theundergarment, such as fit guides disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 10/852,709,filed by Digiacomantonio et al.

FIG. 3 shows a feminine hygiene article which is a sanitary napkin 11that is symmetrically-shaped about both a longitudinal centerline L anda transverse centerline T. A functional enhancement indicator 34 isdisposed generally symmetrically about longitudinal axis L, and offcenter, placed nearer first end region 12 with respect to transversecenterline T. Functional enhancement indicator 34 as shown in FIG. 3 isfully on one side of transverse centerline T. In other embodiments, thefunctional enhancement indicator can extend on both sides of transversecenterline T. In such a case, functional indicator is considered nearerfirst end 12 if one of a first edge 34A or a second edge 34B of thefunctional enhancement indicator 34 is closer to an end edge of thefeminine hygiene article than the other.

The functional enhancement indicator 34 can be printed on the topsheet26 or on the underlying absorbent core 20 or on another portion ofsanitary napkin 11 as long as it is visually perceptible from thebody-facing surface 15 thereof. The region of sanitary napkin 11corresponding to the portion of the sanitary napkin 11 marked byfunctional enhancement indicator 34 can be a region of enhancedabsorbency. For example, the absorbent core 20 can have a higher basisweight, or a greater concentration of absorbent gelling material (AGM),or a greater thickness, or other means of greater absorbency in theregion of the sanitary napkin 11 indicated by functional enhancementindicator 34. Thus, functional enhancement indicator 34 can aid the userorienting and placing the sanitary napkin in her undergarment so as tomake the best use of the enhanced absorbency.

Functional enhancement indicators 34 can be printed on a surface visiblefrom the body-facing surface of sanitary napkin 10. Functionalenhancement indicators 34 can be printed on a surface below the topsheet26 as long as it is visible to the user during placement and positioningof the article in the undergarment. Therefore, functional enhancementindicators 34 can be ink or dye printed, coated, sprayed, or otherwisedisposed on, secondary topsheets, surge layers, acquisition layers,absorbent cores, and the like. Functional enhancement indicators 34 canbe configured as lines, line segments, curved lines, bands, arrows,words, pictures, or any other printed indicia having a purpose ofproviding a signal or guide to the user for proper use with respect tothe functional enhancement of the article. Again, the visual indicianeed not be printed on the body-facing side 15 of a feminine hygienearticle, but need only be visible from the body-facing side thereof suchthat the user can see the indicia as she places the article in, orremoves the article from, her undergarment.

FIG. 4 shows an incontinence pad 10 properly positioned in the crotchportion 38 of a panty 39. Incontinence pad 10 shown in FIG. 4 is anexample of an article of the present invention not having flaps intendedto wrap the edges of the leg openings of the undergarment. As shown inFIG. 4 , portions of the panty 39 defining leg openings 35, such as legelastics 36, can be positioned to coincide tangentially with side edgesof incontinence pad 10 when the incontinence pad 10 is properly placedin the crotch region 38 of the panty. Therefore, proper placement andorientation of incontinence pad 10 can be achieved by utilizingfunctional enhancement indicator 34 to indicate the portion of theincontinence pad 10 intended to be oriented to the front of the panty,and by utilizing side edges to indicate proper front-to-backpositioning, if desired. Further, to aid in placing and positioning theincontinence pad 10 properly, in one embodiment functional enhancementindicators 34 can be disposed so as to indicate proper alignment of thefeminine hygiene article 10 with respect to the curvature of legopenings 35 of the undergarment 39.

Functional enhancement indicators 34 can be placed so as to give theuser a visual indication of proper placement of the article in theundergarment by providing a visual indication on the portion of thearticle that is to be oriented to the front of the wearer, which, inFIG. 4 is oriented toward the top of the page. As shown in FIG. 4 ,functional enhancement indicator 34 can have shapes and visualdefinition and distinctiveness to provide other clues as to properorientation and placement. For example, first edge 34A of functionalenhancement indicator 34 can be associated with the rearward or “back”portion of the functional enhancement indicator 34, and a second edge34B can be associated with forward or “front” portion of the functionalenhancement indicator 34. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 , first edge34A has a curvature that is generally similar to that of a seam 37 ofthe undergarment, such as a seam of a sewn-in crotch panel. In addition,the generally pointed shape of second edge 34B can indicate a directionof orientation to the user to indicate the front of the pad with respectto the wearer's body and undergarment.

In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5 , functional enhancement indicator34 can be a visual signal characterized by a gradient in visualemphasis. The gradient in visual emphasis can be the result of agradient of color intensity, for example, or a gradient in density ofvisually-perceptible discrete elements. For example, functionalenhancement indicator 34 can be a pattern of visually-perceptible dotsor speckles 44 placed in a pattern of increasing density from the firstedge 34A to the second edge 34B. In such an embodiment, the term “edge”is used to indicate the front and rear boundaries of functionalenhancement indicator 34 parallel with the transverse centerline T. Ingeneral, first and second edges 34A and 34B bound every portion offunctional enhancement indicator 34 from front to back alonglongitudinal centerline L. In some embodiments first and second edges34A and 34B of can be coincident with portions of the perimeter 28 ofthe incontinence pad 10.

As shown in FIG. 5 , discrete visual elements such as dots or specklescan be distributed on a portion of incontinence pad 10, such as ontopsheet 26 or secondary topsheet 24, to be visible as a uniformgradient of increasing density. Thus, even though first and second edges34A and 34B of can be nearly equidistant to their respective end edgesof the article, the functional enhancement indicator 34 can be readilyseen as being weighted in visual emphasis toward first end region 12 asopposed to second end region 14. In another embodiment, the gradient canbe non-uniform, and can be localized predominantly in the end region 12of the pad to further emphasize the portion of the pad to be oriented tothe front of the wearer's undergarment 39.

Functional enhancement indicator(s) 34 can be made by printing,stamping, embossing, folding or any other known process that makes avisual, or even tactile, impression that indicates a portion of thefeminine hygiene article as being enhanced for a particular use.Functional enhancement indicator 34 can be a shaded, striped, stippled,or other noncontiguous region. Functional enhancement indicator 34 canbe shaded such that the visual impression is one of a continuous coloredband. In one embodiment the continuous colored band can be of one ormore colors that increase in intensity from one portion of theincontinence pad 10 to another. By “increase in intensity” is meant anincrease in the intensity of the hue, saturation, color, or acombination of color characteristics. In one embodiment functionalenhancement indicator 34 can comprise one color; in another embodimentfunctional enhancement indicator 34 can comprise more than one color.Printing can be by known processes, such as gravure printing, offsetprinting, inkjet printing, and combinations thereof. In one embodimentfunctional enhancement indicator 34 can be made by ink jet printing apredetermined pattern on a portion of an incontinence pad 10 such thatthe pattern is visible to the user when viewing the body-facing side 15of incontinence pad 10. In one embodiment, ink can be printed directlyon the topsheet. In another embodiment color can be printed on a portionof the incontinence pad below the topsheet, but visible through thetopsheet.

FIG. 6 shows an incontinence pad 10 having flaps 52 that are intended tofold over and wrap the leg elastics of the undergarment (flaps 52 inFIG. 6 are shown in an unfolded, flat condition). Flaps 52 can haveattachment means (not shown) to affix the sanitary napkin to theunderside of the undergarment, as is known in the art. Any of variousattachment means known in the art can be used with the presentinvention, including pressure sensitive adhesive means, in which caserelease strips can be incorporated as well. It is known to make a lineof weakness or a flexible zone to facilitate folding of flaps onsanitary napkins.

As shown in FIG. 6 , functional enhancement indicator 34 can comprise asingle colored region or a plurality of colored regions. A plurality ofcolored regions can be disposed as overlapping regions 46 of color todefine a color gradation or change in intensity by virtue of theoverlapping nature of the regions. As shown, for example, a plurality ofcolored or shaded regions 46 (three are shown in FIG. 6 ) can beindividually printed or otherwise applied in a manner to define a darkeror more intense region in the areas of region overlap. Colored or shadedregions 46 can be any shape, including shapes evoking pleasant feelings,such as flower petals, sun rays, ocean waves, and the like. The colorsof colored or shaded regions 46 can be uniform, or they can be varyingshades or hues of one color, or they can be different colors. Thefunctional enhancement indicator 34 can be a feature of a femininehygiene article together with other printed indicia or features, such asthe above-mentioned fit guides.

Another embodiment of incontinence pad 10 is shown in FIG. 7 . As shownin FIG. 7 , functional enhancement indicator 34 can comprise a pluralityof different visual effects, all of which draw a visually-perceptibledistinction to a predetermined portion or portions of a feminine hygienearticle. For example, functional enhancement indicator 34 can comprise aregion of dots or speckles 44 in an array of increasing density from oneregion of incontinence pad 10 to another. In addition, to reinforce thevisual indication of the front-oriented portion of incontinence pad 10,a band of color 48 of changing color intensity can be applied, thegreater color intensity indicating the front-oriented portion ofincontinence pad 10. Further, in addition to, or individually, anembossed channel 50 can be disposed on the body-facing surface ofincontinence pad 10 to give a visual indication of the desired locationof fluid entry and containment. Embossed channel 50 can be a continuousdepression, or a series of individually-compressed, closely-spacedembossments. Embossing can be achieved by means well known in the art.In one embodiment, functional enhancement indicator 34 is only visiblyperceptible, that is, it includes only the visually perceptible portionof the article, and not the tactilely perceptible portion, such as thechannel. That is, in one embodiment, functional enhancement indicator 34excludes embossments, channels, and the like.

FIG. 8 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention combiningembossing and printing or other methods known in the art for impartingcolor, as well as apertures to make functional enhancement indicators34. As shown in FIG. 8 , incontinence pad 10 can comprise functionalenhancement indicator 34 comprising a plurality of embossments 52 thattogether form a curvilinear visually-distinct functional enhancementindicator 34. As shown in the cross section of FIG. 9 , one or more ofthe embossed depressions 52, or all the embossed depressions, can havetherein a substance such as ink to provide visible color 58. The visiblecolor can be printed in registration with the embossments, or printed atthe same time as the embossments are made by means known in the art,such as the method described in WO 04/057110, or U.S. Pat. No.6,780,270. The color 58 can be due to printing inks, dyes, paint, orcolored adhesive. The color 58 can also be under the topsheet, even on aseparate layer (neither shown in FIG. 8 ), such that upon embossing,color 58 shows through the embossed portion, thereby giving theappearance of having been printed in registration with the embossedfunctional enhancement indicator 34.

Also shown in FIG. 8 , functional enhancement indicator 34 can comprisea plurality of visually perceptible apertures grouped in a distinctmanner so as to give a visual indication of a region of enhancedabsorbency, or otherwise indicating the region of enhancedfunctionality. Apertures can be visually perceptible and yet nottactilely perceptible. Apertures 54 can be formed by means known in theart, including the method described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,097 and WO01/45616.

In another embodiment, a functional enhancement indicator 34 can beachieved by having functional enhancement indicator components that areonly tactilely sensed, i.e., not visibly sensed. Such a tactile featurecan serve as a functional enhancement indicator 34 by means of a changein surface smoothness, a change in the coefficient of friction, or othertactilely-sensed change in material properties. In general, the changein material properties can correspond in location to the visiblefunctional enhancement indicators 34 as disclosed herein.

An example of an incontinence pad 10 that is neither symmetric about thelongitudinal axis L nor the transverse axis T is shown in FIG. 10 . FIG.10 shows an incontinence pad 10 or pantiliner 11 designed for use in aso-called thong, or string panty. The very narrow crotch width canrequire flaps 51, if used, to be offset with respect to one another soas to avoid overlapping. As shown, a functional enhancement indicator34, in this case a pair of printed, colored, stylized “V” shapes, canindicate a region of fluid entry or a region of enhanced absorbency or aregion of enhanced fluid containment.

Feminine hygiene articles designed for use in so-called thong, or stringpanties, as shown in FIG. 10 can be described as having one end thattapers to a very narrow width. For example, a sanitary napkin designedfor use in a string panty can taper at one end to an edge-to-edge widthof about 27 mm (measured 10 mm from the narrowest end of the article andparallel to a transverse centerline). In one aspect of the presentinvention, such highly-asymmetrically-shaped articles can be mostbenefited by use of a functional enhancement indicator since slightmisplacement to the front or rear with respect to the panties can make alarge difference in performance. Therefore, in one embodiment of thepresent invention, feminine hygiene articles include those that can bedescribed as having a minimum edge-to-edge width measured about 10 mmfrom one end and parallel to the transverse centerline of less thanabout 30 mm. Other embodiments, which can be termed “non-thong femininehygiene articles,” can be characterized as having a minimum edge-to-edgewidth measured parallel to the transverse centerline of greater thanabout 30 mm. In another embodiment, feminine hygiene articles of thepresent invention can be characterized as having a minimum edge-to-edgewidth measured at and parallel to the transverse centerline of greaterthan about 30 mm. In another embodiment, feminine hygiene articles ofthe present invention can be characterized as having an absorbent coremember having a minimum edge-to-edge width measured parallel to thetransverse centerline of greater than about 30 mm.

Functional enhancement indicator(s) 34 can be beneficially utilized todistinguish between pads in an array of feminine hygiene articles thatare otherwise substantially identical in appearance. FIG. 11 shows anarray 75 of three sanitary napkins 11 by way of example, in which eachof the three sanitary napkins 11 differ with respect to a functionalcharacteristic. For example, each sanitary napkin 11 in FIG. 11 candiffer in absorbent capacity, odor control, sensate delivery, lotiondelivery, skin care agent concentration, or any other functionalattribute beneficial in the context of a feminine hygiene article. Asdepicted in FIG. 11 , the functional enhancement indicator 34 increasesin visual emphasis in the array 75 from the first pad on the left to thelast pad on the right. The increase in visual emphasis can be due to anincrease in color intensity or color density from pad to pad, or linedensity, or any other visual indicia that gives the user avisually-distinct signal as to the relative amount of the relevantfunctional enhancement. In one embodiment, a plurality of sanitarynapkins can be sold in the same package as an array 75 of femininehygiene articles, with the functional enhancement indicator 34 on eachaiding the user in choosing a particular sanitary napkin for a givenpersonal circumstance. For example, functional enhancement indicators 34in FIG. 11 can indicate relative amounts of absorbent capacity, and theuser can use the visual indication to choose a pad for her particularflow at a particular time.

In another embodiment, feminine hygiene articles of a given functionalcharacteristic can be packaged in containers such as bags, boxes, orcartons, which carry a similar visual signal to aid a user in choosingan appropriate pad for an appropriate function. For example, as shown inFIG. 12 , the sanitary napkins described in FIG. 11 can be packaged inan array 77 of boxes or cartons 60 bearing a visual signal or indicator62 that corresponds in visual distinction to functional enhancementindicator 34. Thus, if functional enhancement indicator 34 is a shade ofcolor, visual indicator 62 can be a matching or substantially-matchingshade of color. By “substantially-matching” is meant the color is closeenough that the pad and the packaging can be easily matched by onecomparing pads and packaging. For example, substantially-matching shadescan be matching within the range of normal variance of colors from lotto lot of ink, dye, or other color-inducing medium, or within normalvariance due to slight differences perceived on film versus paper, andthe like. Other means of obtaining corresponding visual distinctioninclude matching the shapes, styles, or overall appearance of visualindicators 62 with corresponding functional enhancement indicators 34. Aconsumer or user of feminine hygiene articles can choose a femininehygiene article having a desired functional characteristic more easilybased on the packaging, with a confirmation or reinforcement of thatfunctional characteristic on each pad inside the packaging.

In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13 , an array 77 of packaging 60can have at least one window or other substantially transparent opening66 through which at least a portion of feminine hygiene articles such assanitary napkins 11 inside packaging 60 can be seen. Window 66 (orwindows 66 if two or more are present) can be a cutout portion ofpackaging 60 or a cutout having a transparent polymeric covering, or anyother means known in the art to facilitate visual identification offunctional enhancement indicator 34 of articles packaged insideotherwise opaque packaging. In one embodiment, feminine hygiene articlescan be individually folded and/or packaged in individual wrappers priorto packaging in an array 77 of packages 60. In such embodiments, acorresponding visual indicator can be utilized on other portions offeminine hygiene articles or individual wrappers as necessary toindicate an array of functional characteristics through window 66.

In another embodiment, feminine hygiene articles, such as sanitarynapkins 11, can have functional enhancement indicators 34 that providedirect information-bearing signals to the user, such as numerals orwritten indicia that communicate information by way of clearlyunderstood gradations in scale. For example, as shown in FIG. 14 , anarray 75 of sanitary napkins 11 can be identified by a number, withincreasing numbers indicating an increase in a functionalcharacteristic. For example, increasing numbers can signal an increasingamount of absorbent capacity relative to lower-numbered articles. Asshown in FIG. 14 , for example, the article on the far right numberedwith the numeral “3” can have more absorbent capacity than that of thearticle in the middle numbered with the numeral “2”. Other functionalenhancement indicators 34 could be used for a more aesthetic appearance.As disclosed earlier, a plurality of sanitary napkins 11 can be sold inthe same package, with the functional enhancement indicator 34 aidingthe user in choosing a particular sanitary napkin for a given personalcircumstance.

Note that in some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 ,it is not necessary that functional enhancement indicators 34 be closerto one end of the article than the other. While shown that way in FIG.14 , the benefit of the functional enhancement indicators 34 shown wouldbe the same if the functional enhancement indicators 34 were centeredwith respect to both the longitudinal and transverse centerlines. Notealso, functional enhancement indicators 34 that provide directinformation-bearing signals to the user, such as numerals or writtenindicia that communicate information by way of clearly understoodgradations in scale can also function to facilitate proper orientationof the article in the undergarment of the wearer due to the inherentuprightness associated with many such signals. Thus, the user wouldorient the middle pad of FIG. 14 with the “2” oriented with the top tothe front of the pad.

Feminine hygiene articles providing direct information-bearing signalsto the user can be packaged in an array of containers such as bags,boxes, or cartons, which carry similar information-bearing signals toaid a user in choosing an appropriate pad for an appropriate function.For example, as shown in FIG. 15 , the sanitary napkins described inFIG. 14 can be packaged in an array 77 of poly bags 60 bearing a visualindicator 62 that corresponds in visual distinction to functionalenhancement indicator 34. Thus, if functional enhancement indicator 34is a numeral, visual indicator 62 can be a matching numeral. Thus, aconsumer or user of feminine hygiene articles can choose a femininehygiene article having a desired functional characteristic more easilybased on the packaging, with a confirmation or reinforcement of thatfunctional characteristic on each pad inside the packaging. Packagingcan be transparent, at least in portions, such that the functionalenhancement indicator 34 on one of the pads shows through the packagingto serve as both the functional enhancement indicator 34 and the visualindicator 62.

FIG. 16 shows an array 75 of incontinence pads 10 having a plurality offunctional enhancement indicators 34. As shown, each pad 10 can haveinformation-bearing written indicia 70 to literally “spell out” thefunctional characteristic, such as light urine capacity, medium urinecapacity, or heavy urine capacity. In addition, or separately, an arrayof pads can be differentiated by the number of visually distinct patternelements 72 such as the heart shapes shown in FIG. 16 . Thus, thegreater number of hearts, the greater the characteristic signaled by thefunctional enhancement indicator 34. In addition, or separately, thefunctional enhancement indicator 34 can include a shortened form of theinformation-bearing written indicia 74, such as “L” for light urinecapacity, and the like.

In each case of the embodiments of the present invention shown in FIGS.11-16 , one benefit to the user is the identification in an array ofproducts of differing functional characteristics, the product orproducts the user can choose for her particular needs. Further, anotherbenefit to the user is the ability to take visual notice after use of aproduct to identify the product for future use. Thus, a user may use themiddle pad shown in FIG. 16 , for example, and find that it is perfectfor her needs. Upon removing the pad she has direct visual reinforcementas to which pad of all the various kinds it is. This enables her toeasily replace it with a like pad without having to remember what kindof pad she used. For this reason, it may be desirable to placefunctional enhancement indicators 34 near the pad periphery, such aspattern elements 72 or written indicia 74, such that the fluid absorbedin the pad during use does not alter or mask the indicator.

Again, with respect to the pads shown in FIG. 16 , each incontinence pad10 can be individually packaged in an array 77 of flexible poly wrappersas shown in FIG. 17 . The wrapper, and, if so packaged, the box or bagof individually wrapped pads, can be identified by a correspondingvisual signal 62 for one or more of the functional enhancementindicators 34. As shown in FIG. 17 , each pad can be tri-folded andwrapped in a flexible wrapper that can also function as the releasepaper for the panty-fastening adhesive on the pad, as is known in theart. The wrapper can have thereon in a visually-distinct manner, such asby printing, a visual signal 62 corresponding to one or more of thefunctional enhancement indicators 34, such as the distinct heart-shapedpattern element 72.

Many variations on the above-described functional enhancement indicatorsare contemplated. For example, functional enhancement indicators cancomprise sensory perception agents, such as menthol lactate in asufficient amount so as to give the user a feeling of coolingrefreshment when the incontinence pad is properly placed and worn. Thefunctional enhancement indicators can be made such that, rather thanprinting with ink, a material is modified so as to have a differentreflective index, or even be transparent, in the region intended to be afunctional enhancement indicator. Likewise, instead of ink, color can beadded by adding colored material in appropriate places, the coloredmaterial being additional film, nonwovens, or adhesives, including glueand hot melt adhesives. Such color can be added in or on any componentof the feminine hygiene article, as long as it is visible to the userwhen she is positioning the incontinence pad in her undergarment.

In one embodiment a disposable feminine hygiene article of the presentinvention can be packaged either singly or in a package with otherdisposable absorbent articles such as other absorbent pads or tampons.The package can be labeled as to the intended use, as well asinstructions for use, i.e., a method of properly placing and positioningthe feminine hygiene article into the undergarment.

To aid the user in properly positioning feminine hygiene articles suchas incontinence pads having functional enhancement indicators, that is,to aid the user in using the functional enhancement indicators as anorientation guide, the feminine hygiene article can be provided withinstructions for use. Instructions for use can be provided on or in thepackaging in which the feminine hygiene article is sold, on relatedadvertising or display media, or on the feminine hygiene article itself.The instructions can be printed on packaging, such as on an outsidesurface thereof, or on a separate paper placed inside the packaging. Apackage can comprise a plurality of feminine hygiene articles, and eachfeminine hygiene article can be individually wrapped or packaged, as iscommonly known in the art. Instructions for use can include indicia suchas text and pictorial diagrams. The printed instructions can includeinstructions for choosing a feminine hygiene article of the presentinvention based on the size of the user's undergarment, the user's flowrequirements, the user's age or weight, or any other criteria useful forchoosing an effective feminine hygiene article.

A feminine hygiene article of the present invention can be used byfollowing the method herein described. First, if there is a choice offeminine hygiene articles differentiated by intended use, such asmenstrual use or incontinence use, the user can choose one or the other.The user can choose the feminine hygiene article having the functionallyenhanced characteristics desired, possibly from an array of productsdifferentiated in the enhanced functional characteristic. In anotherembodiment, the user can choose by reference to a use guide posted on aplainly visible sign or banner showing various choices in feminineprotection and corresponding functional enhancement indicators or visualsignals corresponding to the users needs. In one embodiment the useguide can be made available electronically, such as via the internet.One the user has chosen and obtained her feminine hygiene article, thefollowing method steps are followed.

It is preferred that the user place the feminine hygiene article intoher undergarment while the undergarment is being worn, but pulled downabout her legs such that the crotch portion thereof is visible andaccessible. The user can then remove one feminine hygiene article fromits packaging, including any individual wrappers, if any. If thefeminine hygiene article is provided with pressure sensitive adhesiveattachment means, the user can remove any backing strips, release paper,or other covering to expose the adhesive.

Once the feminine hygiene article is unwrapped, unfolded, or otherwiseprepared for placement, the user can observe the functional enhancementindicator(s) provided thereon and visibly-distinct from the body-facingsurface thereof, and prepare to place the feminine hygiene article inher undergarment while spreading the crotch portion thereof with herlegs. She can then place the feminine hygiene article in her panty,noting the placement of the functionally-enhanced region if necessary.Thus, for an asymmetrically-shaped incontinence pad (such as shown inFIG. 1 ), the user can use the functional enhancement indicator markingson one end thereof to orient the wider end of the pad toward the frontof her undergarment.

Placement can be achieved by known methods, such as by exposing (such asby removing a release paper) pressure sensitive adhesive on thegarment-facing side of the feminine hygiene article, and pressing thefeminine hygiene article into the crotch portion of her undergarment.

After placement, the user can check for proper positioning, and, ifnecessary, remove and replace the feminine hygiene article for betteralignment. This step can be repeated as necessary.

If the feminine hygiene article is provided with flaps, the user canthen fold the flaps down and under the crotch portion of theundergarment, and, if provided for, affix the flaps to the undergarmentby means provided, such as by adhesive attachment means.

The user can then pull up her undergarment, assured that the femininehygiene article is properly placed for optimal functioning whileminimizing product misplacement that can lead to garment soiling.

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application, is hereby incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation ofany document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect toany invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in anycombination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests ordiscloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning ordefinition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning ordefinition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, themeaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shallgovern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An absorbent article, comprising: a topsheet; abacksheet; an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and thebacksheet, wherein the absorbent core is substantially rectangular, andcomprises: a functionally-distinguishable portion of the absorbent corethat is different in composition, configuration, or construction toperform enhanced absorbency of the absorbent core that is differentrelative to absorbency of adjacent portions of the absorbent coreadjacent to the functionally-distinguishable portion; and a functionalenhancement indicator, on the topsheet, comprising a tactilely-sensedcomponent, a periphery, and an inner area completely defined andencompassed by the periphery, and wherein the functional enhancementindicator corresponds in location to the functionally-distinguishableportion, the functionally-distinguishable portion is correspondinglylocated within the inner area defined by the periphery of the functionalenhancement indicator, and the functional enhancement indicator does notcomprise portions that correspond in location to the adjacent portions,wherein the functional enhancement indicator is positioned between atransverse centerline and an edge of an end region such that thefunctional enhancement indicator does not cross the transversecenterline, wherein the functionally-distinguishable portion of theabsorbent core is not perceptible without the functional enhancementindicator.
 2. The absorbent article of claim 1, further comprising avisible functional enhancement indicator that corresponds in location tothe functionally-distinguishable portion.
 3. The absorbent article ofclaim 2 wherein the visible functional enhancement indicator correspondsin location to the tactilely-sensed component.
 4. The absorbent articleof claim 2 wherein the visible functional enhancement indicatorcomprises a composition selected from the group consisting of inks,dyes, paint, colored adhesives, and mixtures thereof.
 5. The absorbentarticle of claim 1, wherein the absorbent core has a thickness that isless than 5 mm.
 6. The absorbent article of claim 2, wherein the visualfunctional enhancement indicator further comprises a directinformation-bearing signal.
 7. The absorbent article of claim 1, whereinthe outer periphery of the functional enhancement indicator comprises apair of spaced apart and non-continuous ends.
 8. The absorbent articleof claim 1, wherein the absorbent article is asymmetrical about thetransverse centerline such that a front portion of the absorbent articleis wider than a rear portion of the absorbent article, wherein the frontportion is to be oriented toward a front of a user's undergarment duringuse, and wherein the functionally-distinguishable portion and thefunctional enhancement indicator are located in the front portion of theabsorbent article.